3 Rules Of Petiquette

Around guests Good petiquette means discouraging bad behavior such as jumping up or inappropriate sniffing. Teaching your dog to sit and stay for 30 seconds before giving him a release command ("Okay!") is important so he learns to politely greet someone. You can also tell your visitors to stick up a knee (gently) when your dog attempts to jump, so your pup realizes there are consequences for his naughty actions. A strict "OFF!" command is also a must here. If needed, try a doggy time-out so that your pet and guest can take a much-needed break.

[sidebar]On a walk Keep your pet on a short, controlled leash to prevent bites or rude encounters. When strolling with your pup, a Halti collar/Gentle Leader is a must, especially if he has behavior issues. The Halti is designed with two loops (one goes around the muzzle; the second, around the back of the neck) that prevent your dog from pulling or acting out. Always ask permission before introducing dogs, as some pet owners may not want to socialize. If your dog approaches another, let him gently sniff his new friend, but don't allow too much slack in the leash—that will give him the message that he's in control.

At the vet When you bring your pooch in, we appreciate any advanced warning (e.g., "He may need a muzzle, as he gets really stressed out"). Also, make sure you're using appropriate positive and negative feedback. If you cuddle and comfort your dog by saying "Good boy!" while he's lunging at us, you're telling him that his bad behavior is okay. Instead, be firm so that he can settle down quickly—and we can do our job!

And one last thing? A misbehaving dog is never too old for obedience school! Both you and your pet will benefit from learning basic training commands.